Smokey Barn News, August 31, 2013 Ridgetop TN
Accident In Front Of Watauga Elementary School Friday (SEE UPDATES BELOW)
This is an update to our coverage of this accident which occurred Friday, we have learned some new facts including two acts of heroism. The accident occurred in front of Watauga Elementary on U.S. 41 in Ridgetop (Location Of Wreck) Friday afternoon around 1:30PM.
Smokey spoke to one of the occupants about the scary wreck. According to one of the occupants of the Silverado, the Ford truck was coming at them weaving back and forth, the occupant said she had time to look up and say “Look he’s” and then they hit. It was almost a head on collision and there was positive airbag deployment.
Witnesses say the driver (Tom Hooper 67 of Goodlettsville ) may have had a medical emergency before the wreck. According to a witness, after the wreck, Hooper was quickly pulled from the Ford vehicle. He had a weak pulse and shallow breathing according to Ridgetop Police officer Bill Bratton. CPR was administered by a good Samaritan until medics arrived and took over . Hooper was then quickly transported to the hospital.
Witnesses told police that Hooper’s medical distress may have started as early as the traffic light in Ridgetop. Police also said that before the wreck a driver of a large GMC 3500 heading the same direction (south) as the Ford noticed that something was wrong and tried nudging the Ford to keep it on the road and from hitting other vehicles.
As we understand it Mr. Hooper was in pretty good health and his passing is a big shock to his family. Mr Hooper lived in Goodlettsville for 26 years and was well known in the Goodlettsville/Ridgetop area.
Officer Bratton also told Smokey that Officer Bob Watson of the Millersvills police department just happened to be passing through at the time of the wreck and stopped to help by blocking traffic with his car and directed traffic. “He was a big help since Watauga Elementary was just letting kids out from school” Bratton said.
According to police Mr Hooper passed away at 2:24PM Friday afternoon.
Smokey has spoken to Mr Hooper’s family and they are still waiting on a date for services. The family also said the cause of Tom’s medical distress was either a heart attack or a stroke.
UPDATE: September 2, 2013 (Services)
“My brother was retired from construction as a sheet metal worker and a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 177. Alma Flatt Hooper was his wife of 30 years and they had no children. He attended Luton United Church in Goodlettsville near where they resided. He had long loved bluegrass and traditional folk music and played banjo. He also enjoyed woodworking and antique cars.” Ron Hooper (brother)
Thomas Howard Hooper was born in Nashville, TN on Jun. 8, 1946 he departed on Aug. 30, 2013 and resided in Goodlettsville, TN. Visitation will be Wednesday, Sep. 4, 2013 4-8 PM & Thursday, Sep. 5, 2013 9-10 AM. Service will be held on Thursday, Sep. 5, 2013 10:00 AM. He will be laid to reat at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.
Obituary:
HOOPER, Thomas Howard, age 67 of Goodlettsville, TN passed away August 30, 2013. He was preceded in death by parents, Howard and Velma Hooper; sister, Mary Sue Monohan. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Alma Hooper; brother, Ronald Lee Hooper (Debra K.); nieces, Brandy Lea Choate and Kelly Monohan-Pettianto; nephews, Ronald Trent Hooper and Sean Monohan.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 from 4 PM – 8 PM and Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37221 where funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 10 AM. Interment will follow in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. HARPETH HILLS FUNERAL HOME 9090 Highway 100 Nashville, TN US 37221
Smokey would also like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Hooper.
Jim Ball reporting
Tommy’s wife Alma is one of my dearest friends and Tommy was a very loving husband to her and a,wonderful caregiver to her. He was loved and will be greatly missed.